The Arts And Crafts Kitchen

Arts and Crafts kitchen cabinets are beautiful in their simplicity and design.

The Arts and Crafts movement started as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. Where craftsman believed that only the repetitive actions should be done by machinery, and the true workmanship should always outshine the mass produced products.

This style is built on the principal of form over function and an emphasis on craftsmanship. This movement was based mostly upon the writings of John Ruskin, and was very popular in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century.

Arts and Crafts cabinetry is made of rich dark woods an is not ornate, but plain with distinctive details. Geometric shapes and plain door styles give this style its characteristics. Built on the principle of quality construction, over mass production, was a driving force in this design. It was also believed that the price should always be affordable, hence the absence of highly ornamental details.

Woods common in this cabinetry are cherry, maple, and oak. Inset panels and thick face frames are a must with this style. Popular accents are stained glass door panels, as well as stained glass lighting. Mullion glass panels are also a common detail. Clean lines and neutral colors are important details.

Ornamentation in the Arts and Crafts style is minimal. Plain door pulls of wrought iron or antique bronze are used as hardware. With little to no extra detail.

Natural materials are used for countertops, such as butcher block and soapstone. The most common flooring is wood and stone, with an emphasis on neutral tones. But darker shades work just as well if not overdone.

Other related styles are Shaker, Craftsman, Prairie, and Mission.

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